§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take to ensure that widows with children do not suffer financial loss as a result of the introduction of child benefit for first children and the consequent reduction of pensions and income tax allowances.
§ Mr. OrmeI would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 16th November 1976. The income of widows with children and substantial earnings will not be affected when child benefit is introduced in April 1977,—[Vol. 919, c. 501–6.]